The India-French Nuclear Ability and Liability: A Tale of Jaitapur Nuclear Plant

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It was a bright sunny day when the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed an agreement with the then French President Francois Hollande, to set up a plant for atomic energy in Jaitapur, Maharashtra.

The deal was worth $9.3 billion and was set to be a landmark for India's ambitions in nuclear energy. The plant was planned to be of 9,900 MW, making it the world's largest nuclear enterprise, and would generate power to meet the increasing energy demands of the country. It was expected to create thousands of jobs and boost the local economy.

But, the agreement also sparked a wave of controversies, amid concerns over the plant's safety, project cost, land acquisition, and the liability issue. The Jaitapur Nuclear Plant became the focal point of the debate on whether nuclear power is a boon or a bane for India, and whether India is ready to handle the risks and responsibilities that come with atomic energy.

The Nuclear Ability and Liability of India and France

India and France have a long standing partnership in nuclear energy, with France being a leading player in the sector since the 1960s. India, on the other hand, has had a tumultuous journey in nuclear power, with its first nuclear test in 1974 that resulted in international sanctions and isolation. India later conducted another nuclear test in 1998, prompting criticism from the global community.

However, in 2005, the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement lifted the sanctions and allowed India to trade in nuclear technology with other countries, subject to certain conditions. France was quick to capitalize on this opportunity and has since been a major player in India's nuclear market, winning contracts for the supply of fuel, equipment, and technology.

France's nuclear energy giant, EDF, along with its Indian partner, Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL), is responsible for the setting up of the Jaitapur Nuclear Plant. The plant is expected to have six European Pressurized Reactors (EPRs), which are third-generation reactors known for their safety features and efficiency. The construction of the plant has faced delays due to regulatory issues, protests by local communities, and concerns over the safety of EPRs.

On the issue of liability, India and France have had divergent views. India's Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010, imposes liability on suppliers for any nuclear accident, which has been a major concern for foreign nuclear companies. France, on the other hand, has a capped liability regime for its nuclear industry, which has been criticized for not providing adequate compensation to victims of nuclear accidents.

The Controversies and Criticisms of Jaitapur Nuclear Plant

The Jaitapur Nuclear Plant has been embroiled in controversies since its inception, with concerns over its safety, environmental impact, cost, and land acquisition. Here are some of the major criticisms:

  1. The EPRs used in the plant are untested and unproven on a large scale, and their safety is a matter of debate. The Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, which involved third-generation reactors, has raised questions over the safety of EPRs in case of a natural calamity or human error.
  2. The project cost has been escalating and is expected to cross the initial estimate of $9.3 billion. The cost of construction, fuel, and maintenance has been a major concern for the Indian government, which has been seeking concessional financing from France.
  3. The local communities in Jaitapur have been protesting against the project, citing concerns over the acquisition of their land, loss of livelihood, displacement, and health hazards. The protests have been met with police action, leading to clashes and arrests.
  4. The liability issue has been a major bone of contention between India and France. India's liability regime imposes responsibility on suppliers for any nuclear accident, while France's capped liability regime has been criticized for not providing adequate compensation to victims. The two countries have yet to reach a consensus.

The Way Forward: Three Points to Consider

The Jaitapur Nuclear Plant has become a litmus test for India's ambitions in nuclear energy, and the challenges that come with it. Here are three points to keep in mind:

  1. Nuclear energy is a double-edged sword, with its benefits and risks. India needs to strike a balance between the two and ensure that safety, environment, and liability concerns are not compromised for the sake of energy security.
  2. The Jaitapur Nuclear Plant is not just a technical project, but a socio-economic and political one as well. The local communities need to be involved in the decision-making process and their concerns should be addressed, to avoid a repeat of the protests and unrest that have plagued the project.
  3. India and France need to resolve the liability issue, which has been a stumbling block in their nuclear partnership. A legal and financial framework that provides adequate compensation to the victims, but does not deter foreign companies from trading in nuclear technology, needs to be put in place.

Conclusion

The Jaitapur Nuclear Plant symbolizes the challenges and opportunities of India's nuclear energy sector. The project has faced opposition, delays, and uncertainties, but it also holds the promise of meeting India's energy needs, creating jobs, and boosting economic growth. India needs to tread carefully, weighing the pros and cons, and taking all stakeholders into confidence, to ensure that the project is successful, safe, and sustainable.

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Curated by Team Akash.Mittal.Blog

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